PepsiCo's Quaker, Gatorade And Tropicana Business Units Release Letter To Customers Regarding iGPS' Pallet Rental Service
Intelligent Global Pooling Systems (iGPS Company LLC), operator of the world's first all-plastic pallet rental service with embedded RFID (radio frequency identification) tags, announced recently that it has been informed by PepsiCo's Quaker, Gatorade and Tropicana Business Units that they have distributed the following letter to their national customer bases:
Since June 2007, iGPS has been utilized to ship many of the Gatorade, Propel and Quaker Foods SKUs on iGPS' new plastic pooled pallet. This change is addressing shipping platform quality concerns and reflects our desire to be responsible stewards of the environment (this pallet is 100% recyclable).
Since then, iGPS has continued to work collaboratively with shippers and receivers to revolutionize today's supply chain utilizing the pooled pallet method with advanced technology in an engineered plastic pallet that has been certified under UL 2335 (file no. R25482) and FM 4996, establishing it as fire-retardant, with a significantly lower burn index than wood pallets. iGPS pallets are fully edge rackable (2,800 lbs capacity) and 20 – 27 lbs. lighter than the average wood pooled pallet. If an iGPS pallet should become damaged, it will be remolded into new ones, making its useful life indefinite.
The iGPS pallet is more uniform in size (48x40) and is significantly more durable and hygienic than the typical multi-use wood pallet. The composition of the plastic pallet will improve the level of product integrity and will increase durability while reducing susceptibility to damage. Additionally, each iGPS pallet contains a unique RFID / bar code tag allowing for individual asset tracking through your own supply chain if desired, (although it is certainly not a requirement).
As of April 1, 2009 the Quaker and Gatorade business units will begin integrating iGPS pallets completely across all SKUs into their networks, with the expectation of shipping exclusively on the iGPS platform as soon as all inventory on wood pallets turns. The Tropicana chilled business will convert beginning May 1, 2009.
In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the iGPS website for additional details, www.igps.net. Upon receipt and completed use of the iGPS pallet, you have only to set it aside and arrange for return to your local iGPS depot by calling 1-800-884-0225. You can also learn about their optional "Enhanced Retail Participation Program." If you are not already set up to handle iGPS pallets, please contact our iGPS customer Support Manager, Mark Gordon at (281) 253-6239 or mgordon@igps.net.
Should you have any questions or require any additional information please contact your PepsiCo CAS, or Customer Supply Chain Integration Manager.
"PepsiCo's Quaker, Gatorade and Tropicana Business Units are world-class enterprises and we are extremely pleased with the confidence they have demonstrated in iGPS," said Bob Moore, CEO of iGPS. "We share their absolute commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability and look forward to serving their needs."
About iGPS
iGPS is the world's first company to provide manufacturers and retailers with an all-plastic pallet pool with embedded RFID-tags. iGPS's state-of-the-art pallets are 30 percent lighter than wood, which saves on transport costs, are easier to handle and eliminate protruding nails and splinters that cause workplace injuries and damaged equipment. In addition, embedded RFID tags enable shippers and receivers to track and trace shipments in real time. Launched in March 2006, the company is led by pallet and supply chain veterans with decades of experience. iGPS is headquartered in Orlando, FL.
Pegasus Capital Advisors, a private equity fund manager with offices in New York and Cos Cob, CT, retains a majority interest in iGPS. Founded in 1995, Pegasus provides capital to middle market companies across a wide range of industries, with particular focus on businesses that make a meaningful contribution to society by positively affecting the environment, contributing to sustainability and enabling healthy living. www.pcalp.com.
SOURCE: iGPS Company LLC